Comparison: Norwegian Buhund and Swedish Vallhund

Norwegian Buhund and Swedish Vallhund are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Norwegian Buhund
Photo: phunkstarr, CC BY 2.0, source
Swedish Vallhund
Photo: Matt Lemmon, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Norwegian BuhundSwedish Vallhund
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originNorwaySweden
CategoryMediumSmall
Weight12–18 kg–
Recognition features
  • Squarely built spitz with erect pointed ears and a tightly curled tail
  • Wheaten (biscuit) or black coat
  • Little under middle size with an alert, frank expression
  • Small, low-set sturdy dog in grey to reddish-brown shades
  • Height-to-length ratio 2:3; tail long or naturally short
  • Lighter harness markings on shoulders and cheek markings
CoatThick, hard, smooth-lying outer coat and soft dense undercoat; wheaten (pale to yellowish-red) or black.Medium-length, hard, close topcoat with soft dense undercoat; grey, greyish brown, greyish yellow, reddish yellow or reddish brown with lighter harness markings.
PurposeNorwegian farm dog and herder, guarding the farmstead and working livestock.Swedish herding dog (heeler) that nips cattle at the heels; low and sturdy.

Breed page: Norwegian Buhund · Breed page: Swedish Vallhund

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.